44 km from Poza Zgiełkiem lies Lake Łuknajno – one of the most naturally precious places not only in Poland but in all of Europe. A UNESCO biosphere reserve protects here the largest colony of mute swans on the continent – in summer up to 2,000 birds gather here at once.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Łuknajno was inscribed on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve List in 1976 as one of the first places in Poland. The shallow, marshy reed-bed lake fed by underground springs has exceptionally good water quality. In the meadows and reeds over 200 species of aquatic and marsh plants grow, while the fauna includes dozens of breeding bird species as well as numerous amphibians and fish.
Swan Kingdom
The mute swan (Cygnus olor) has chosen Łuknajno as its summer moulting kingdom. Every year from June to September thousands of birds arrive from all over Poland and Europe to shed their old feathers in a safe environment. For a few weeks they cannot fly, so they stay together on the lake. It is one of the most spectacular natural spectacles in Poland, attracting photographers and bird enthusiasts from around the world.
How to Visit Łuknajno?
Access to the lake is controlled – swans can be observed from designated viewpoints around the lake. Entering the shore or swimming in the lake is prohibited. A nature trail of about 5 km has been laid out around Łuknajno, with educational boards describing the ecosystem. The best time to visit is early mornings in June and July, when mist rises over the water and thousands of swans are still calm.
Visitor Tip
Łuknajno is close to Mikołajki – a great idea to combine both places in one day. Free entry. Getting there requires your own car. Be sure to bring binoculars and a telephoto lens! Near Mikołajki you should also canoe the [[Krutynia river|krutynia]] – one of Poland's most beautiful kayak routes. Łuknajno is also a great base for [[sailing on Lake Śniardwy|zeglowanie-mazury]].
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
